10 Things to Do at the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins (郑州商代遗址) in Zhengzhou, China



Located in the heart of Henan Province, the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins are a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture. The ruins are the largest and best-preserved archaeological site of the Shang Dynasty (1700-1046 BC), a period of Chinese history that saw the emergence of the earliest forms of Chinese writing, bronze casting, and the development of the Chinese calendar. Here are 10 things to do at the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins:

1. Explore the Ruins of the Erligang City: The Erligang City was the capital of the Shang Dynasty and is the largest and most important archaeological site of the Shang Dynasty. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city walls, palace sites, and tombs, as well as the remains of the ancient city gates.

2. Visit the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Museum: The Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Museum is located within the ruins and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the Shang Dynasty. The museum features artifacts from the period, including bronze vessels, jade ornaments, and pottery.

3. Take a Tour of the Ancient City: Visitors can take a guided tour of the ancient city, which includes the ruins of the palace, city walls, tombs, and other sites. The tour will provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history of the Shang Dynasty and the city of Zhengzhou.

4. Visit the Tomb of Fu Hao: The tomb of Fu Hao is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins. Fu Hao was a powerful female ruler of the Shang Dynasty and her tomb is the only one of its kind in China. The tomb contains many artifacts, including bronze vessels and jade ornaments.

5. Explore the Ruins of the Yinxu Palace: The Yinxu Palace was the royal palace of the Shang Dynasty and is the largest and most impressive archaeological site in the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins. The palace was destroyed during the Shang Dynasty, but visitors can still explore the ruins and learn more about the history of the palace.

6. Visit the Oracle Bones Museum: The Oracle Bones Museum is located within the ruins and features artifacts from the Shang Dynasty period, including oracle bones, bronze vessels, and jade ornaments. The museum also offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the Shang Dynasty and the art of divination.

7. Take a Tour of the Ancient City Walls: Visitors can take a guided tour of the ancient city walls, which were built during the Shang Dynasty. The walls are the oldest city walls in China and offer visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the Shang Dynasty and the city of Zhengzhou.

8. Visit the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Art Museum: The Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Art Museum is located within the ruins and features artifacts from the Shang Dynasty period, including bronze vessels, jade ornaments, and pottery. The museum also offers visitors a chance to learn more about the art and culture of the Shang Dynasty.

9. Explore the Ruins of the Zhengzhou City: The Zhengzhou City was the capital of the Shang Dynasty and is the largest and most important archaeological site in the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city walls, palace sites, and tombs, as well as the remains of the ancient city gates.

10. Visit the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Cultural Center: The Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Cultural Center is located within the ruins and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the Shang Dynasty. The center features artifacts from the period, including bronze vessels, jade ornaments, and pottery. Visitors can also take part in workshops and lectures about the Shang Dynasty.